Probing Proverbs 10:10-13 He
who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined.
The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked
conceal violent intentions. Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all
offenses. Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those
lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.
Words…or the lack of them can cause a lot of damage. There is no doubt
that there is a big difference between verbal abuse versus physical abuse, but
that is like saying there is a big difference between losing $100,000 versus
$1,000,000. One does hurt more, but the end remains the same…your
still broke. All abuse has as its goal to inflict damage. Obviously, physical
abuse is openly over the line, and can leave a person crippled or even dead. No
excuse…man
or woman…you
need to walk away from that act. Even if you are hit first, walk away. Don’t
give sin that victory. However, that does not lessen the damage words can do.
From emotional scars, to someone giving up on life itself! There are thousands
of suicides a year in this world, and the culprit is words…either
said by someone or even within the mind of the broken person.
This section of Proverbs points out the power of words. The “winking” eye
comes from the Hebrew קָרַץ:
To compress the eyes (like the lips), to wink
with the eyes behind another’s back, as done by a malicious and crafty man.[1]
The sad truth is that many times when someone should speak up
they do not. This leads only to trouble. I am not talking about judging people;
I am talking about confronting wrong with right. We do not have to guess what
is right; God has given His standard in His book. I am also not suggesting we
run around screaming and preaching at individuals, if a person does not want to
hear you, you are just wasting your time. Sadly, even in church buildings
today, where people come on their own volition, there are topics that will not
be talked about, because it is politically incorrect to do so. This has led our
society into deep trouble. People living “wrong,” because no one has held up for them to
see what “right” is.
Notice the power of words in the rest of this Proverb…for
both good and evil. A “babbler” talks just to hear himself talk, and it will lead to his
undoing. When someone speaks the words that are from God, it is as refreshing
as a fresh spring to a thirsty person. People who are seeking Truth are excited
when they encounter it. Words when guided by sin will conceal and hide the
reality of what is in the heart. How many young men and women have given
themselves away based on the deception of a sinful person? Words that
communicate hate do nothing towards peace and will add fuel to any fire. When
words are founded in love, they will cover and forgive many wrongs. They will also
offer healing to the individual that is hurting.
In the end, we all need to evaluate the source of our words. If
we have God granted wisdom and understanding, we will be listened to by others
as one that is wise. If our source is the wisdom of this world, based on
half-truths and open lies, others will not respect us and if we continue to
push our agenda, we will be punished. For some that happens in this life…once
their 15 minutes in the spotlight has faded, or they have stepped out of line
with the “elite” of this world, they will see how fast the world will turn on
them. Some will become the “gurus” of this world’s wisdom, and
tragically will not realize it until it is too late, when they face their
Maker.
[1]
Gesenius, W., & Tregelles, S. P. (2003). Gesenius' Hebrew and Chaldee lexicon to the Old Testament Scriptures
(745). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
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